When it comes to insurance, we tend to gravitate toward health insurance to ensure we have the right coverage in place. However, dental insurance can prove to be just as important and shouldn’t be brushed to the side. It is an important employee benefit to consider.
Preventative Care
Even though we pay for insurance each year, there is a chance we won’t even have to use it. But you want to make sure you have it for that one time you may need it the most, right?
Dental insurance offers us peace of mind, even if we just take advantage of the two checkups we are allotted each year.
The money you pay for dental insurance each month goes toward X-rays, teeth cleanings, and exams. It is also beneficial for preventative care measures, so your dentist can spot and potentially reduce the chances of needing more extensive dental work in the future.
What Is Covered?
Now you may be wondering what your monthly premiums even cover. Typical plans cover preventative care, including X-rays, exams, and cleanings. It also usually covers more basic procedures like fillings, extractions, and some periodontal work. However, these are generally only covered at around 70 to 80%.
More major procedures like dentures, crowns, implants, root canals and bridges are usually covered at around 50% or less.
Types of Dental Plan
There are several types of dental plans to choose from.
PPO
When you choose a PPO, you receive a discount to see in-network or preferred providers. This plan typically pays more than other plans like HMOs, and you can save money when you visit a dental provider that is in-network.
HMO
With an HMO, you have to see someone in the insurance network. It covers preventative services at 100%. This plan is good if you don’t foresee yourself needing any major or restorative procedures.
Save Money on Dental Care
If you haven’t purchased dental insurance because you don’t think you can afford it, you shouldn’t let this stop you.
Discount Dental Plans
A discount dental plan or savings plan can provide you with the coverage you need without the high costs you may expect. You will pay an annual fee and get a 10 to 60% discount on average dental care costs. Unlike an insurance plan, you will have no annual cap or any waiting period.
Self-Insure
If paying a monthly premium doesn’t seem worth it to you, you should consider self-insurance for dental insurance. You can set aside a separate savings account for your dental appointments and other emergencies and contribute to the savings account at your own pace.
Self-Funded Dental Plans
A self-funded dental plan is one in which the employer only pays for claims that are actually incurred. It is a good way to make sure that the employees have beneficial dental coverage without costing them an arm and a leg in premiums each year.
With a traditional fully insured dental plan, the employer has to pay for the full amount of the premiums for any participating employee, even if they don’t use the plan at all.
For more information on how self-funded dental plans can save money, contact the professionals at National Insurance Partners today.